Two TV Shows

Okay, so I shared two books that I read earlier this week. I thought since it’s the weekend now though, I’d share two television series that I recommend watching. Maybe you have some downtime to binge watch a few episodes before Monday rolls around.

First up: The Bold Type

To be completely frank, when I first saw a commercial for this show, I rolled my eyes. It’s a new series on Freeform (formerly ABC Family) about three young women trying to make it at a fashion magazine. I was expecting it to be overly eager to be a “cool” show about the ever-so-trendy #feminism that would fall flat on the screen. Or something like that. Last weekend, I couldn’t sleep and decided to watch the pilot just to see. It’s a great show that talks about real issues (workplace, romantic relationships, friendships) without trying too hard. I think they nailed it and can’t wait to see how it plays out.

I also just finished Anne with an E, the Netflix adaptation of Anne of Green Gables. Anne of Green Gables is such a classic story with various adaptations over the years. This series though is beautifully shot and remarkably… dark. I could have watched the episodes with the sound off just to take in the gorgeous landscapes (and costumes). It is a great story though and goes a bit more in depth about the abuse Anne endured as an orphan and why she is the way she is. I’ve been slowly but surely working my way through the season and was so sad when I realized that I had watched the last episode. I need a second season!!

36 Comments

I’m loving The Bold Type too and thought the exact same thing as you. It’s proving me wrong so far! Have you watched This is Us? Starts again in September if you haven’t so you have time to catch up! 🙂

I think feminism is definitely “trending” right now, in a good way. People are talking about it in a different and more overt way. I just worried that the show was going to try to capitalize on the trend and, therefore, miss the mark on an authentic storyline. They didn’t though– it’s really well done.

I don’t want to be *that* person, but what do you mean by “ever-so-trendy #feminism”? Personally, I feel that feminism is awesome. I love that it has become “trendy,” because this means that it has become accessible — and why shouldn’t it be? 🙂 For many women, gender equity and the ability to have agency over themselves is still radical, especially in certain parts of the United States. Feminism shouldn’t be limited to sassy girls and #GirlBosses (as it goes waaaay beyond that), but who cares if that’s someone’s first introduction to it? That may just spark a revolution within them. Something to consider!

That’s not what I was trying to say, sorry if it came across that way. I thought the show (based on the commercial and my pre-judgement) was going to TRY to be super trendy and all about feminism… and therefore just not feel real and feel overly forced. But it’s GREAT and tackles real issues young women are facing.

I was surprised at how dark Anne with an E was! But it was SO well done, breathtaking, and emotional. Not sure I’ve ever cried because of a TV show before, but this one was just so real. Can’t wait for a second season!

If you want a fun series to try, I’ve just finished watching the Great British Baking Show. It’s such a fun show to mindlessly watch and the contestants each season are all so different and talented. I really enjoyed it! The latest season in the states has been airing on pbs.

I’m glad to hear some feedback on The Bold Type because the promos keep popping up on my FB; I thought it looked good but shared your reservations. I might have to give it a try after I finish with New Girl (I’m woefully slow to hop onto show bandwagons, haha).
Alex // preppybeancounter.blogspot.com

In the future, I hope you’ll consider not referring to feminism as “trendy” (even if it wasn’t your intention) because it really belittles a cause that millions of women fight for and millions of women depend on.

I am always excited when I see another woman as passionate about feminism as I am, but I honestly think this is a knee jerk reaction to the word “trendy” that doesn’t take into consideration Carly’s actual meaning.

The fact that #feminism has become a trend is a major problem for the actual feminist movement. It allows marketers to “sell” something that should never be for sale. When #feminism becomes just another way to sell t-shirts or TV ads, real feminist causes quickly get lost. It reminds me of the Spice Girls era of “girl power” which was basically all about wearing short skirts and appealing to boys. Today, buzzy phrases like #girlboss infantilize women while promising to uplift us.

I think Carly is right to be wary of the “trend” of feminism, which so rarely has anything to do with uplifting and empowering all women.

Just in response to everyone who’s berating Carly for writing the phrase “ever-so-trendy #feminism” — I think she explained herself and what she meant very well in her comment replies, but also, she’s right that feminism is currently “trending” right now. There’s been a lot of discussion about this, and there’s a lot to read out there, about how feminism has become a catchall, cool term, but is therefore creating a lot of complacency. One book that gives a good argument for this is “Why I am Not a Feminist” by Jessa Crispin. Not saying it’s perfect, but there is a larger discussion going on right now about this, and Carly is perfectly correct that feminism has become something that’s branded and on trend. Just something for everyone to think about.

And yes, I am a feminist and I call myself one proudly. Not looking to get into any debate here, but everyone needs to do their research and not be on the attack…

I’ve just finished Anne with an E, I loved it! I agree, the darkness and explorations of what Anne’s life as an orphan, and even the difficulties of life at Green Gables, make a it a really special new look at the story.

I thought the same exact thing about The Bold Type! I was really worried it would be too liberal “smashing patriarchy” and I would get irritated. But I was THRILLED when I started! I can’t wait to keep watching

Started The Bold Type on your recommendation and just watched the first 4 eps this weekend! The acting is SO good – literally everyone in it is an excellent actor and the guys in it are SO hot… I love Ryan!

It’s interesting to hear your opinion on The Bold Type because I had the same reaction when seeing the promos. Something about it just looked incredibly annoying. Maybe I’ll have to give it a chance though!

I’ve been looking for some new shows to binge watch. These both sound really interesting & I think I’ll give them a try. Recently, I tried to watch GirlBoss on Netflix and just couldn’t get into it even though I enjoyed reading the book.